Pompey sign Defoe

Portsmouth have confirmed the signing of England striker Jermain Defoe from Tottenham Hotspur for an undisclosed fee.

PUBLISHED: PUBLISHED: 17:46, Thu, Jan 31, 2008

Jermain Defoe

The 25-year-old passed a medical at Fratton Park on Thursday night, before agreeing what Pompey have termed a 'long-term' deal.

Defoe is reunited with manager Harry Redknapp, who was previously his boss at West Ham.

"I can't wait to get my boots on and get out there. I'm happy," said Defoe, who is eligible to make his debut against Chelsea on Saturday.

"I'm looking forward to playing football and scoring some goals. I want to score as many goals for Portsmouth as possible."

Defoe has only started three Barclays Premier League games this season and has accepted Redknapp's offer of leading the attack at Fratton Park after finding himself omitted from Fabio Capello's England squad on Thursday.

"When you are not playing football you can't expect to get in the England squad," said Defoe.

"I totally understand. I just want to play football and score some goals.

"I want to score as many goals as possible this season and do well for Portsmouth."

Redknapp added on Sky Sports News: "He will be a great signing for us. He wants to play and he needs to play."